Kevin Hart to star in two-hour special that highlights ‘lesser-known’ achievements in black history

Kevin Hart is currently making history at the box office and on the comedy circuit. And for his next project, the superstar comedian will reach into the past to highlight black figures who have made history in their own right, albeit without the presence of 24/7 news coverage and social media.

The History Channel announced Friday (Jan. 13) that Hart will star in and produce “Kevin Hart Presents: The Black Man’s Guide to History,” a two-hour special that looks at stories and achievements in black history that have been overshadowed or are relatively unknown.

According to the network, the special begins as Hart finds his daughter disappointed in the fact that black history often seems limited to slavery and oppression – a conclusion she reaches after watching “12 Years A Slave.” Hart then sets out to educate his daughter through a number of scripted re-enactments about fascinating people such as Matthew Henson, the first person to reach the North Pole, and Mae Jemison, the first black female astronaut to travel in space.

“I’m very excited to be working with History on this show because not only is it entertaining, and it’s hysterical, but it also is an important program for our country right now. We hope to make people laugh and learn a bit too,” Hart said in a press release.

Hart will produce the special through his company, Hartbeat Productions, in conjunction with Comedy Dynamics. No release date has been announced, but the special is expected to premiere later this year.